A South Richmond man with a history of committing violent crimes was sentenced to two life terms plus 15 years Monday for his role in robbing an ABC store last spring in Southside Plaza.
After an all-day trial in Richmond Circuit Court, a jury deliberated about two hours before finding Qaiyim Amin El Shabazz, 52, guilty of robbery after twice having been convicted of robbery, abduction with intent to gain pecuniary benefit after twice having been convicted of a violent offense and possession of a firearm as a violent felon.
The jury deliberated just two minutes more before recommending El Shabazz serve two life terms plus 15 years. Judge Margaret P. Spencer immediately imposed the sentence.
“It’s an appropriate outcome for a man who has had such a violent past,” said Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Elizabeth A. Hobbs, who prosecuted the case.
El Shabazz was charged with the foiled robbery of the ABC store at 618 W. Southside Plaza on April 21. A store manager and a clerk were on duty when El Shabazz walked in at 5:50 p.m., went to the cash register, displayed a handgun and demanded money from the safe, authorities said.
While one employee was trying to open the safe, the other noticed the gunman didn’t have what appeared to be a firm grip on the gun, so the employee rushed him, a struggle ensued and the gun discharged once, authorities said. No one was hit.
The second employee joined in, and the two got the gun away and slammed El Shabazz to the floor. An accomplice, who was serving as the lookout, fled after seeing El Shabazz disarmed and pinned to the floor. The employees held El Shabazz until police arrived.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement